Imaging device

ABSTRACT

An imaging device according to the present invention has: a photometric circuit that detects a brightness of a photographic subject based on a light flux from the photographic subject that passes through a photographic lens; an exposure calculation circuit that calculates an aperture value and a shutter speed based on the detected brightness of the photographic subject; an imaging element that converts the light flux from the photographic subject received on each photo-electric element to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, the imaging element having a plurality of the photo-electric elements and a micro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of the photo-electric elements in order to converge the light flux from the photographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of the photo-electric elements; and a correction circuit that corrects the aperture value calculated by the exposure calculation circuit so that a signal level of the electric signal of the light flux does not change among photographic subjects each having a same brightness respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an imaging device that forms animage of an photographic subject by using a solid-state imaging elementsuch as a CCD or the like, and particularly relates to an imaging devicethat is provided with a micro-lens on a light receiving surface of thesolid-state imaging element.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] A solid-state imaging element such as a CCD or the like(hereinafter termed an imaging element) is being miniaturizing in recentyears and also a number of picture elements of the imaging element isincreasing. As a result, an area of a light receiving section of eachphoto-electric element must be small. If the area of the light receivingsection becomes small, the sensitivity drops. An imaging element isknown in which a micro-lens is formed as a unitary body in front of eachlight receiving section as shown in FIG. 20 and a light flux from aphotographic subject is converged to the light receiving section so thatdropping of the sensitivity is compensated.

[0005] However, if the micro-lens that has a certain curvature isattached, the sensitivity of the imaging element varies according to avalue of an aperture that is positioned in front of the imaging element,that is on the photographic subject side, or a distance between an exitpupil position of a photographic lens and the imaging element. Forexample, since the light flux from the photographic subject comes intothe micro-lens almost in parallel if the aperture value is great, mostof the light flux is received on the light receiving section and thesensitivity becomes good. In the same way, since the light flux from thephotographic subject comes into the micro-lens almost in parallel if thedistance between the exit pupil position and the imaging element islong, the sensitivity becomes good. On the other hand, if the aperturevalue is small or the distance between the exit pupil position and theimaging element is short, a light flux from the photographic subjectthat obliquely comes into the micro lens increases. Accordingly, thelight flux is refracted greatly by the micro-lens according to theincident angle of the light flux and some of the light flux is notreceived by the light receiving section. As a result, the sensitivitydrops.

[0006] An imaging device is known in which dropping of the sensitivityis compensated by electrically amplifying image data outputted from theimaging element with an amplification factor according to the aperturevalue to solve the above-mentioned problem (Japanese Laid-Open PatentApplication No. 6-178198). However, since the output of the imagingelement includes noise, if the amplification factor is set to a greatvalue to compensate dropping of the sensitivity, the noise is alsoamplified and the picture quality becomes low. The low picture qualitylike this is not so big problem for a video camera or the like by whicha dynamic image is recorded and reproduced. But the low picture qualityis a big problem for an electronic still camera or the like whichhandles a still image, because the low picture quality is conspicuouseven if the picture quality is not so low.

[0007] While, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 6-311422discloses an imaging device in which a shutter speed is modifiedaccording to the aperture value or the distance between the exit pupilposition and the imaging element. However, if the shutter speed isdifferent from one that a photographer recognizes, the photographerfeels strange and a camera vibration by hand likely occurs. For example,if a photography is performed with a lower shutter speed than {fraction(1/60)} sec and an open aperture, the sensitivity of the imaging elementdrops to about 50%. The shutter speed must be set low as thephotographer feels the low shutter speed in order to compensate thisdropping of the sensitivity. As a result, the photographer feelsstrange.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an imagingdevice that can accurately compensate dropping of the sensitivity of animaging element that is caused from a change of an aperture value or anexit pupil position.

[0009] In order to attain this object, an imaging device according tothe present invention comprises: a photometric means for detectingbrightness of a photographic subject based on light flux from thephotographic subject that passes through a photographic lens; anexposure calculation means for calculating an aperture value and ashutter speed based on the detected brightness of the photographicsubject; an imaging means for converting the light flux from thephotographic subject received on each photo-electric element to anelectric signal and outputting the electric signal, the imaging meanshaving a plurality of the photo-electric elements and a micro-lens inwhich each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of thephoto-electric elements in order to converge the light flux from thephotographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of thephoto-electric elements; and a correction means for correcting theaperture value calculated by the exposure calculation means so that asignal level of the electric signal of the light flux does not changeamong photographic subjects each having the same brightness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an imagingdevice according to the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a first embodiment.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a figure showing a relation between an aperture valueand an output level of an imaging element.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an imagingdevice according to the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a second embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a third embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a fourth embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of an imagingdevice according to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a fifth embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sixth embodiment of an imagingdevice according to the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a sixth embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a seventh embodiment.

[0022]FIG. 13 is a figure showing a relation between a distance betweenan exit pupil position and an imaging element, and an output level ofthe imaging element.

[0023]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof an eighth embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a ninth embodiment.

[0025]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a tenth embodiment.

[0026]FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof an eleventh embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a twelfth embodiment.

[0028]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuitof a thirteenth embodiment.

[0029]FIG. 20 is a figure showing a construction of a micro-lens that isattached in front of a photo-electric element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] A first embodiment through a thirteenth embodiment of an imagingdevice according to the present invention will be explained withreference to FIGS. 1 through 18. In the first embodiment through thethirteen embodiment, cases that the imaging device is installed in anelectronic still camera will be explained.

[0031] First Embodiment

[0032]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a construction ofan imaging device of a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the referencenumeral 1 denotes a photographic lens, and a light flux from aphotographic subject that passes through the photographic lens 1 is leadto an aperture 2. The reference numeral 3 denotes a quick return mirror(hereinafter termed a mirror) that transmits and reflects the light fluxfrom the photographic subject that passed through the aperture 2. Alight flux that is reflected by the mirror 3 is inputted to aphotometric circuit 4, and the brightness of the photographic subject isdetected. On the other hand, a flux that is transmitted by the mirror 3is lead to a shutter 5. The reference numeral 6 denotes an imagingelement that receives the light flux from the photographic subjectaccording to opening and closing of the shutter 5, stores electriccharges according to an amount of receiving light, and outputs thestored electric charges as image data. For example, the imaging element6 is composed of a CCD. The imaging element 6 has many photo-electricelements inside and a micro-lens element is arranged in front of eachphoto-electric element to converge the light flux from the photographicsubject.

[0033] The reference numeral 7 denotes a signal processing circuit forimage data outputted from the imaging element 6, and the signalprocessing circuit 7 performs a compensation processing such as whitebalance compensation, γ compensation, outlines compensation or the like.The reference numeral 8 denotes a compression circuit that compressesthe image data on which the compensation processing was performed, andthe compressed data is stored into a recording medium 9 such as a memorycard or the like. The reference numeral 10 denotes a control circuitthat controls a whole apparatus such as setting an aperture value of theaperture 2, opening and closing of the shutter 5, or the like. Thecontrol circuit 10 is connected with a halfway depressing switch 11 thatis turned on when a release button is depressed halfway down and anall-the-way depressing switch 12 that is turned on when the releasebutton is depressed all the way.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an operation of the control circuit10 of the first embodiment. The control circuit 10 starts the operationshown in FIG. 2 when the release button has been depressed halfway down.In the step S1 of FIG. 2, the control circuit sends a signal to thephotometric circuit 4 to starts detecting the brightness of thephotographic subject, and reads in the detected brightness informationof the photographic subject. In the step S2, an exposure calculation isperformed based on the brightness of the photographic subject, and anaperture value and a shutter speed are calculated. In the step S3, acorrection value of the aperture value is calculated based on theaperture value calculated in the step S2. The smaller the aperture valuecalculated in the step S2 is, the greater dropping of the sensitivity ofthe imaging element 6 becomes. Therefore, when the calculated aperturevalue is small, the aperture value is corrected to a still smaller valueto compensate dropping of the sensitivity.

[0035]FIG. 3 is a figure showing a relation between the aperture valueand an output level of the imaging element 6. As shown in Figure, whenthe aperture value is great, the sensitivity of the imaging element 6does not drop and the output level is maintained in almost 100%.However, the sensitivity drops according as the aperture value becomessmall. When the aperture value becomes close to the open aperture, theoutput level becomes 50% of the peak. Therefore, in the step S3 of FIG.2, the aperture value is controlled and changed to a smaller value sothat the output level of the imaging element 6 becomes close to thevalue of 100% level.

[0036] In the step S4, a decision is made as to whether or not therelease button has been depressed all the way. In this case, thedecision is made as to whether or not the all-the-way depressing switch12 is turned on. If the decision is NO, the flow of control goes to thestep S5, and a decision is made as to whether or not the release buttonis depressed halfway down. In this case, the decision is made as towhether or not the halfway depressing switch 11 is depressed halfwaydown. If the decision is YES, the flow of control returns to the stepS1, and if the decision is NO, the flow of control goes to the step S6.In the step S6, a decision is made as to whether or not a predefinedtime has elapsed after the halfway depressing switch was turned off. Ifthe decision is NO, the flow of control returns to the step S1, and ifthe decision is YES, the processing is terminated. On the other hand, ifthe decision is YES in the step S4, the flow of control goes to the stepS7, and an exposure is controlled based on the shutter speed calculatedin the step S2 and the aperture value corrected in the step S3.

[0037] When the processing of the step S7 has been completed, the flowof control goes to the step S8, and forming an image of the photographicsubject is performed by opening and closing of the shutter 5. In thestep S9, various kinds of compensation processing are performed on theimage data outputted from the imaging element 6. In the step S10, thecompensated image data is compressed. In the step S11, the compresseddata is stored into the recording medium 9.

[0038] In this manner, in the first embodiment, since the aperture valueis corrected based on the aperture value obtained by the exposurecalculation, the sensitivity of the imaging element 6 that changesaccording to the aperture value can be compensated accurately. And sincethe sensitivity is compensated by an optical method that is adjustingthe aperture value unlike adjusting an electrical amplification factor,an electrical noise does not influence on the correction and a picturequality does not become low.

[0039] Second embodiment

[0040] In a second embodiment, an aperture value is corrected inconsideration of manufacturing variations of micro-lenses. FIG. 4 is ablock diagram showing an outline of a construction of an imaging deviceof the second embodiment. The construction of the imaging device of thesecond embodiment is common to the construction of the first embodimentexcept adding an EEPROM 13. A plurality of correction patterns tocorrect the aperture value are stored in the EEPROM 13, and thecorrection patterns are previously made in consideration ofmanufacturing variations of micro-lenses corresponding to imagingelements respectively. In other words, each of correction patterns isprovided per each of micro-lenses that have different characteristicsrespectively, and each of the correction patterns includes informationthat shows how much the aperture value obtained by the exposurecalculation should be corrected.

[0041] In the second embodiment, a characteristic of a micro-lens isdetected and selecting operation that selects a correction patterncorresponding to the micro-lens from the EEPROM 13 (hereinafter termed aselecting operation of correction pattern) is performed before aphotography is started after an assembly of an electronic still camerawas completed. Concretely speaking, the aperture value is set to areference value, an image of a uniform brightness surface is formed withthe reference aperture value, the output characteristic of themicro-lens is examined by detecting the output level of the imagingelement 6, and a correction pattern corresponding to the micro-lens isselected from correction patterns in the EEPROM 13. And when aphotography is performed after that, the aperture value is correctedbased on the correction pattern selected in the selecting operation ofcorrection pattern.

[0042]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the second embodiment. In steps of FIG. 5, only the step S23 isdifferent from the first embodiment and will be explained mainly. Theflow of control goes to the step S23 after the aperture value has beencalculated by the exposure calculation in the step S22. In the step S23,the correction pattern that was selected in the selecting operation ofcorrection pattern is read out from the EEPROM 13, the aperture value iscorrected based on the correction pattern, and the aperture 2 iscontrolled based on the corrected aperture value.

[0043] In this manner, in the second embodiment, a plurality ofcorrection patterns, which are corresponding to micro lensesrespectively, are previously prepared in consideration of differentcharacteristics of the micro lenses that are caused from manufacturingvariations. And the most suitable correction pattern is selected foreach imaging element 6 and the calculated aperture value is correctedbased on the most suitable correction pattern. As a result, dropping ofthe sensitivity of the imaging element 6 can be compensated accurately,even if the characteristic of the micro-lens is different from otherones.

[0044] Third embodiment

[0045] In a third embodiment, both an aperture value and a shutter speedthat are obtained by an exposure calculation are corrected. Since theconstruction of the third embodiment is common to the construction ofthe first embodiment, the construction will not be explained.

[0046]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the third embodiment. In steps of FIG. 6, since the step S43 isonly different from the first embodiment, this step will be explainedmainly. The flow of control goes to the step S43 after the aperturevalue has been calculated by the exposure calculation in the step S42,and the aperture value and the shutter speed are corrected so thatdropping of the sensitivity of an imaging element 6 is compensated.Concretely speaking, the correction of the aperture value roughlyadjusts the output level of the imaging element 6 and the correction ofthe shutter speed adjusts it finely.

[0047] In this manner, in the third embodiment, not only the aperturevalue but also the shutter speed is corrected. As a result, the outputlevel of the imaging element 6 can be adjusted finely. Since both theaperture value and the shutter speed are changed, each amount ofchanging can be small compared with a case that only either one ischanged. Consequently, a photography can be performed in an exposurecondition close to the original exposure condition, and a photographerdoes not feel strange even if compensating of the sensitivity isperformed.

[0048] Fourth embodiment

[0049] In a fourth embodiment, the second embodiment and the thirdembodiment are combined, and both an aperture value and a shutter speedare corrected in consideration of manufacturing variations ofmicro-lenses. Since the construction of the fourth embodiment is commonto the construction of the second embodiment, the construction will notbe explained. In an EEPROM 13 of the fourth embodiment, a plurality ofcorrection patterns that show how much the aperture value and theshutter speed, which are obtained by an exposure calculation, should becorrected. Each of the correction patterns shows a corrected aperturevalue and a corrected shutter speed against a combination of an aperturevalue and a shutter speed obtained on a certain brightness value. One EVvalue is divided into twelve values in the shutter speed, consequentlythe shutter speed can be corrected finely.

[0050]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the fourth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 7, since the step S63 isonly different from the third embodiment, this step will be explainedmainly. The flow of control goes to the step S63 after the aperturevalue has been calculated by the exposure calculation in the step S62.In the step S63, the correction pattern that was selected in a selectingoperation of correction pattern, which has been explained in the secondembodiment, is read out from an EEPROM 13 and the aperture value and theshutter speed is corrected based on the correction pattern, and then anaperture 2 and a shutter 5 are controlled based on the correctedaperture value and the corrected shutter speed.

[0051] In this manner, in the fourth embodiment, since the aperturevalue and the shutter speed are corrected in consideration ofmanufacturing variations of micro-lenses, dropping of the sensitivity ofthe imaging element 6 can be compensated accurately.

[0052] Fifth embodiment

[0053] In a fifth embodiment, an amplifying circuit that electricallyamplifies an output of an imaging element is provided, and an aperturevalue and an amplification factor are corrected based on the aperturevalue calculated by an exposure calculation. FIG. 8 is a block diagramshowing an outline of a construction of an imaging device of the fifthembodiment. The construction of the imaging device of the fifthembodiment is common to the construction of the first embodiment exceptadding the amplifying circuit 14.

[0054]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the fifth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 9, since the step S83 isonly different from the first embodiment, this step will be explainedmainly. The flow of control goes to the step S83 after the aperturevalue has been calculated by the exposure calculation in the step S82.In the step S83, the aperture value is corrected and the correctionvalue of the amplification factor is determined so that dropping of thesensitivity of the imaging element 6 is compensated. Concretelyspeaking, the correction of the aperture value roughly adjusts theoutput level of the imaging element 6 and the correction of theamplification factor adjusts it finely.

[0055] In this manner, in the fifth embodiment, since the aperture valueis corrected and the correction value of the amplification factor of theamplifying circuit 14 is determined based on the aperture value obtainedby the exposure calculation, an amount of changing of the aperture valuecan be small compared with a case that only the aperture value iscorrected. In other words, a photography can be performed in an aperturevalue close to the value of the exposure calculation. The amplificationfactor of the amplifying circuit 14 can be changed as an analoguesignal, an output level of the imaging element 6 can be adjusted finely.

[0056] Sixth embodiment

[0057] In a sixth embodiment, an aperture value obtained by an exposurecalculation and an amplification factor are corrected in considerationof manufacturing variations of micro-lenses. FIG. 10 is a block diagramshowing an outline of a construction of an imaging device of the sixthembodiment. The construction of the imaging device of the sixthembodiment is common to the construction of the fifth embodiment exceptadding an EEPROM 13. In the EEPROM 13 of the sixth embodiment, aplurality of correction patterns that show how much the aperture value,which is obtained by the exposure calculation, should be corrected andwhat value of the amplification factor of the amplifying circuit 14should be set to.

[0058]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the sixth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 11, since the step S103 isonly different from the first embodiment, this step will be explainedmainly. The flow of control goes to the step S103 after the aperturevalue has been calculated by the exposure calculation in the step S102.In the step S103, the correction pattern that was selected in aselecting operation of correction pattern is read out from the EEPROM 13and the aperture value is corrected and the correction value of theamplification factor of the amplifying circuit 14 is determined based onthe aperture value calculated by the exposure calculation and thecorrection pattern read out from the EEPROM 13.

[0059] In this manner, in the sixth embodiment, a plurality ofcorrection patterns, which are corresponding to micro lensesrespectively and each of which shows the correction amount of theaperture value and the amplification factor of the amplifying circuit14, are previously prepared in consideration of differentcharacteristics of the micro lenses that are caused from manufacturingvariations. And the most suitable correction pattern is selected foreach imaging element 6 and the aperture value and the amplificationfactor of the amplifying circuit 14 are corrected based on the mostsuitable correction pattern. As a result, the sensitivity of the imagingelement 6 can be maintained with a constant level, even if manufacturingvariations occurs on the micro-lenses.

[0060] Seventh embodiment

[0061] In a seventh embodiment, an aperture value obtained by anexposure calculation is corrected based on an exit pupil position of aphotographic lens. Since a construction of the seventh embodiment iscommon to the construction of the first embodiment, the constructionwill not be explained.

[0062]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the seventh embodiment. In steps of FIG. 12, since the steps S122and S124 are only different from the first embodiment, these steps willbe explained mainly. The flow of control goes to the step S122 after abrightness of a photographic subject has been detected in the step S121,and the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1 is detected. Theexit pupil position varies according to a kind of the photographic lens1, and in case of a zoom lens, the exit pupil position varies accordingto zooming position also. A lens CPU (not shown in Figure) in thephotographic lens 1 transmits information regarding the exit pupilposition of the photographic lens 1 to a control circuit 10 in a camerabody via a communication line L. Consequently, the exit pupil positionis detected by reading in data of the communication line L.

[0063] The flow of control goes to the step S124 after the aperturevalue has been calculated by the exposure calculation,. and the aperturevalue calculated by the exposure calculation is corrected based on theexit pupil position of the photographic lens 1.

[0064]FIG. 13 is a figure showing a relation between a distance betweenthe exit pupil position and the imaging element 6 and an output level ofthe imaging element 6. As shown in Figure, when the distance between theexit pupil position and the imaging element 6 is long, the sensitivityof the imaging element 6 does not drop and the output level ismaintained in almost 100%. However, the sensitivity drops according asthe distance between the exit pupil position and the imaging element 6becomes short. Therefore, in the step S127 of FIG. 12, the shorter thedistance between the exit pupil position and the imaging element 6 is,the smaller value the calculated aperture value is corrected to.

[0065] In this manner, in the seventh embodiment, since the aperturevalue is corrected based on the exit pupil position, the sensitivity ofthe imaging element 6 does not drop even if the photographic lens isexchanged or zooming position of the zoom lens is changed.

[0066] Eighth embodiment

[0067] An eighth embodiment is an embodiment that modifies the secondembodiment. In the eighth embodiment, an aperture value obtained by anexposure calculation is corrected based on an exit pupil position of aphotographic lens in consideration of manufacturing variations ofmicro-lenses. Since the construction of the eighth embodiment is commonto the construction of the second embodiment, the construction will notbe explained.

[0068]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the eighth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 14, since the steps S142and S144 are only different from the second embodiment, these steps willbe explained mainly. The flow of control goes to the step S142 after abrightness of a photographic subject has been detected in the step S141,and the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1 is detected inthe same way as the seventh embodiment. In the step S144, the aperturevalue calculated by the exposure calculation is corrected based on theexit pupil position of the photographic lens 1 and the correctionpattern read out from an EEPROM 13

[0069] In this manner, in the eighth embodiment, since the aperturevalue is corrected based on the exit pupil position and the correctionpattern considering manufacturing variations of micro-lenses, droppingof the sensitivity of the imaging element 6 that is caused frommanufacturing variations can be compensated accurately.

[0070] Ninth embodiment

[0071] An ninth embodiment is an embodiment that modifies the thirdembodiment. In the ninth embodiment, an aperture value and a shutterspeed obtained by an exposure calculation are corrected based on an exitpupil position of a photographic lens. Since the construction of theninth embodiment is common to the construction of the third embodiment,the construction will not be explained.

[0072]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the ninth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 15, since the steps S162and S164 are only different from the third embodiment, these steps willbe explained mainly. The flow of control goes to the step S162 after abrightness of a photographic subject has been detected in the step S161,and the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1 is detected inthe same way as the seventh embodiment. In the step S164, the aperturevalue and the shutter speed calculated by the exposure calculation arecorrected based on the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1.

[0073] In this manner, in the ninth embodiment, dropping of thesensitivity of the imaging element 6 that is caused from kinds of thephotographic lens 1 or variation of zooming position can be compensatedaccurately.

[0074] Tenth embodiment

[0075] An tenth embodiment is an embodiment that modifies the fourthembodiment. In the tenth embodiment, an aperture value and a shutterspeed obtained by an exposure calculation are corrected based on an exitpupil position of a photographic lens in consideration of manufacturingvariations of micro-lenses. Since the construction of the tenthembodiment is common to the construction of the fourth embodiment, theconstruction will not be explained.

[0076]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the tenth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 16, since the steps S182and S184 are only different from the fourth embodiment, these steps willbe explained mainly. The flow of control goes to the step S182 after abrightness of a photographic subject has been detected in the step S181,and the exit pupil position, of the photographic lens 1 is detected inthe same way as the seventh embodiment. In the step S184, the aperturevalue and the shutter speed calculated by the exposure calculation arecorrected based on the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1and a correction pattern read out from an EEPROM 13. The correctionpatterns shows a corrected aperture value and a corrected shutter speedagainst a combination of the aperture value and the shutter speedobtained by the exposure calculation.

[0077] In this manner, in the tenth embodiment, dropping of thesensitivity of the imaging element 6 that is caused from kinds of thephotographic lens 1 or variation of zooming position can be compensatedaccurately.

[0078] Eleventh embodiment

[0079] An eleventh embodiment is an embodiment that modifies the fifthembodiment. In the eleventh embodiment, an aperture value obtained by anexposure calculation and an amplification factor of an amplifyingcircuit 14 are corrected based on an exit pupil position of aphotographic lens. Since the construction of the eleventh embodiment iscommon to the construction of the fifth embodiment, the constructionwill not be explained.

[0080]FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the eleventh embodiment. In steps of FIG. 17, since the steps S202and S204 are only different from the fifth embodiment, these steps willbe explained mainly. The flow of control goes to the step S202 after abrightness of a photographic subject has been detected in the step S201,and the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1 is detected inthe same way as the seventh embodiment. In the step S204, the aperturevalue calculated by the exposure calculation and the amplificationfactor of the amplifying circuit 14 are corrected based on the exitpupil position of the photographic lens 1.

[0081] In this manner, in the eleventh embodiment, dropping of thesensitivity of the imaging element 6 that is caused from kinds of thephotographic lens 1 or variation of zooming position can be compensatedaccurately.

[0082] Twelfth embodiment

[0083] An twelfth embodiment is an embodiment that modifies the sixthembodiment. In the sixth embodiment, an aperture value obtained by anexposure calculation and an amplification factor of an amplifyingcircuit are corrected based on an exit pupil position of a photographiclens in consideration of manufacturing variations of micro-lenses. Sincethe construction of the twelfth embodiment is common to the constructionof the sixth embodiment, the construction will not be explained.

[0084]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the twelfth embodiment. In steps of FIG. 18, since the steps S222and S224 are only different from the sixth embodiment, these steps willbe explained mainly. The flow of control goes to the step S222 after abrightness of a photographic subject has been detected in the step S221,and the exit pupil position of the photographic lens 1 is detected inthe same way as the seventh embodiment. In the step S224, the aperturevalue calculated by the exposure calculation and the amplificationfactor of the amplifying circuit 14 are corrected based on the exitpupil position of the photographic lens 1 and a correction pattern readout from an EEPROM 13. The correction patterns shows a correctedaperture value and a corrected amplification factor against the aperturevalue obtained by the exposure calculation.

[0085] In this manner, in the twelfth embodiment, dropping of thesensitivity of the imaging element 6 that is caused from kinds of thephotographic lens 1 or variation of zooming position can be compensatedaccurately.

[0086] Thirteenth embodiment

[0087] In a thirteenth embodiment, an aperture value and a shutter speedis calculated in consideration of an output of an imaging element whenan exposure calculation is performed. Since the construction of thethirteenth embodiment is common to the construction of the firstembodiment, .the construction will not be explained.

[0088]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an operation of a control circuit10 of the thirteenth embodiment. In the flow chart of FIG. 19, the stepS2 of FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is changed to the step S242 and thestep S3 of FIG. 2 is deleted, and the other steps are the same as stepsof FIG. 2. Consequently, different parts will be explained mainly. Inthe step S242, an aperture value and a shutter speed are calculatedbased on a characteristic program line that is made in advance inconsideration of the output characteristic of the imaging element 6. Thecharacteristic program line is made and stored in a camera in advance sothat in case that the aperture value is small, still smaller aperturevalue is selected so as to compensate dropping of the outputcharacteristic of the imaging element 6. And it is also acceptable thatthe characteristic program line is made so as to compensate dropping ofthe output characteristic of the imaging element 6 by using acombination of the aperture value and the shutter speed in stead of onlythe aperture value when the aperture value is small.

[0089] In this manner, in the thirteenth embodiment, a step of acorrecting calculation can be deleted and an operation of the controlcircuit 10 becomes simple.

[0090] In the above-mentioned first embodiment through sixth embodiment,the aperture value, the shutter speed and the amplification factor arecorrected based on the aperture value obtained by the exposurecalculation. And in the above-mentioned seventh embodiment throughtwelfth embodiment, the aperture value, the shutter speed and theamplification factor are corrected based on the exit pupil position ofthe photographic lens. However, it is acceptable that the aperturevalue, the shutter speed and the amplification factor are correctedbased on both the aperture value obtained by the exposure calculationand the exit pupil position of the photographic lens. In this case; botha correction amount based on the aperture value and a correction amountbased on the exit pupil position are should be corrected.

[0091] In the above-mentioned first through twelfth embodiments, thecorrection of only the aperture value, the correction of the aperturevalue and the shutter speed, and the correction of the aperture valueand the amplification factor have been explained. However, a correctionof a combination of the three aperture value, shutter speed andamplification factor are also acceptable.

[0092] It is also acceptable that changed values are displayed on adisplay section of a viewfinder when the aperture value and the shutterspeed obtained by the exposure calculation are changed. And it isacceptable that a photographer's confirmation is required whether or notthe values should be changed. And it is acceptable that a photographercan optionally select one of methods based on the first through thetwelfth embodiments to correct the sensitivity.

1. An imaging device, comprising: a photometric means for detecting abrightness of a photographic subject based on a light flux from saidphotographic subject that passes through a photographic lens; anexposure calculation means for calculating an aperture value and ashutter speed based on said detected brightness of said photographicsubject; an imaging means for converting said light flux from saidphotographic subject received on each photo-electric element to anelectric signal and outputting the electric signal, said imaging meanshaving a plurality of said photo-electric elements and a micro-lens inwhich each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of saidphoto-electric elements in order to converge said light flux from saidphotographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of saidphoto-electric elements; and a correction means for correcting saidaperture value calculated by said exposure calculation means so that asignal level of said electric signal of said light flux does not changeamong photographic subjects each having a same brightness respectively.2. An imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein said correctionmeans corrects said aperture value based on said aperture valuecalculated by said exposure calculation means.
 3. An imaging deviceaccording to claim 1 , further comprising: an exit pupil positiondetection means for detecting an exit pupil position of saidphotographic lens, wherein said correction means corrects said aperturevalue based on said exit pupil position detected by said exit pupilposition detection means.
 4. An imaging device according to claim 1 ,further comprising: an exit pupil position detection means for detectingan exit pupil position of said photographic lens, wherein saidcorrection means corrects said aperture value based on said aperturevalue calculated by said exposure calculation means and said exit pupilposition detected by said exit pupil position detection means.
 5. Animaging device according to claim 2 , further comprising: a correctionpattern memory means for storing a plurality of correction patterns tocorrect said aperture value, said correction patterns being respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that have differentcharacteristics respectively, wherein said correction means reads outsaid correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens of said imagingmeans from said correction pattern memory means, and corrects saidaperture value based on said read out correction pattern and saidaperture value calculated by said exposure calculation means.
 6. Animaging device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a correctionpattern memory means for storing a plurality of correction patterns tocorrect said aperture value, said correction patterns being respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that have differentcharacteristics respectively, wherein said correction means reads outsaid correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens of said imagingmeans from said correction pattern memory means, and corrects saidaperture value based on said read out correction pattern and said exitpupil position detected by said exit pupil position detection means. 7.An imaging device according to claim 4 , further comprising: acorrection pattern memory means for storing a plurality of correctionpatterns to correct said aperture value, said correction patterns beingrespectively corresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that havedifferent characteristics respectively, wherein said correction meansreads out said correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens ofsaid imaging means from said correction pattern memory means, andcorrects said aperture value based on said read out correction pattern,said aperture value calculated by said exposure calculation means andsaid exit pupil position detected by said exit pupil position detectionmeans.
 8. An imaging device, comprising: a photometric means fordetecting a brightness of a photographic subject based on a light fluxfrom said photographic subject that passes through a photographic lens;an exposure calculation means for calculating an aperture value and ashutter speed based on said detected brightness of said photographicsubject; an imaging means for converting said light flux from saidphotographic subject received on each photo-electric element to anelectric signal and outputting the electric signal, said imaging meanshaving a plurality of said photo-electric elements and a micro-lens inwhich each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of saidphoto-electric elements in order to converge said light flux from saidphotographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of saidphoto-electric elements; and a correction means for correcting saidaperture value and said shutter speed calculated by said exposurecalculation means so that a signal level of said electric signal of saidlight flux does not change among photographic subjects each having asame brightness respectively.
 9. An imaging device according to claim 8, wherein said correction means corrects said aperture value and saidshutter speed based on said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means.
 10. An imaging device according to claim 8 , furthercomprising: an exit pupil position detection means for detecting an exitpupil position of said photographic lens, wherein said correction meanscorrects said aperture value and said shutter speed based on said exitpupil position detected by said exit pupil position detection means. 11.An imaging device according to claim 8 , further comprising: an exitpupil position detection means for detecting an exit pupil position ofsaid photographic lens, wherein said correction means corrects saidaperture value and said shutter speed based on said aperture valuecalculated by said exposure calculation means and said exit pupilposition detected by said exit pupil position detection means.
 12. Animaging device according to claim 9 , further comprising: a correctionpattern memory means for storing a plurality of correction patterns tocorrect said aperture value and said shutter speed, said correctionpatterns being respectively corresponding to a plurality of saidmicro-lenses that have different characteristics respectively, whereinsaid correction means reads out said correction pattern corresponding tosaid micro-lens of said imaging means from said correction patternmemory means, and corrects said aperture value and said shutter speedbased on said read out correction pattern and said aperture valuecalculated by said exposure calculation means.
 13. An imaging deviceaccording to claim 10 , further comprising: a correction pattern memorymeans for storing a plurality of correction patterns to correct saidaperture value and said shutter speed, said correction patterns beingrespectively corresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that havedifferent characteristics respectively, wherein said correction meansreads out said correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens ofsaid imaging means from said correction pattern memory means, andcorrects said aperture value and said shutter speed based on said readout correction pattern and said exit pupil position detected by saidexit pupil position detection means.
 14. An imaging device according toclaim 11 , further comprising: a correction pattern memory means forstoring a plurality of correction patterns to correct said aperturevalue and said shutter speed, said correction patterns beingrespectively corresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that havedifferent characteristics respectively, wherein said correction meansreads out said correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens ofsaid imaging means from said correction pattern memory means, andcorrects said aperture value and said shutter speed based on said readout correction pattern, said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means and said exit pupil position detected by said exitpupil position detection means.
 15. An imaging device, comprising: aphotometric means for detecting a brightness of a photographic subjectbased on a light flux from said photographic subject that passes througha photographic lens; an exposure calculation means for calculating anaperture value and a shutter speed based on said detected brightness ofsaid photographic subject; an imaging means for converting said lightflux from said photographic subject received on each photo-electricelement to an electric signal and outputting the electric signal, saidimaging means having a plurality of said photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements; an amplifying means for amplifying saidelectric signal outputted from said imaging means with a predefinedamplification factor; and a correction means for correcting saidaperture value calculated by said exposure calculation means and saidamplification factor so that a signal level of said electric signal ofsaid light flux does not change among photographic subjects each havinga same brightness respectively.
 16. An imaging device according to claim15 , wherein said correction means corrects said aperture value and saidamplification factor based on said aperture value calculated by saidexposure calculation means.
 17. An imaging device according to claim 15, further comprising: an exit pupil position detection means fordetecting an exit pupil position of said photographic lens, wherein saidcorrection means corrects said aperture value and said amplificationfactor based on said exit pupil position detected by said exit pupilposition detection means.
 18. An imaging device according to claim 15 ,further comprising: an exit pupil position detection means for detectingan exit pupil position of said photographic lens, wherein saidcorrection means corrects said aperture value and said amplificationfactor based on said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means and said exit pupil position detected by said exitpupil position detection means.
 19. An imaging device according to claim16 , further comprising: a correction pattern memory means for storing aplurality of correction patterns to correct said aperture value and saidamplification factor, said correction patterns being respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that have differentcharacteristics respectively, wherein said correction means reads outsaid correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens of said imagingmeans from said correction pattern memory means, and corrects saidaperture value and said amplification factor based on said read outcorrection pattern and said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means.
 20. An imaging device according to claim 17 , furthercomprising: a correction pattern memory means for storing a plurality ofcorrection patterns to correct said aperture value and saidamplification factor, said correction patterns being respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that have differentcharacteristics respectively, wherein said correction means reads outsaid correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens of said imagingmeans from said correction pattern memory means, and corrects saidaperture value and said amplification factor based on said read outcorrection pattern and said exit pupil position detected by said exitpupil position detection means.
 21. An imaging device according to claim18 , further comprising: a correction pattern memory means for storing aplurality of correction patterns to correct said aperture value and saidamplification factor, said correction patterns being respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that have differentcharacteristics respectively, wherein said correction means reads outsaid correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens of said imagingmeans from said correction pattern memory means, and corrects saidaperture value and said amplification factor based on said read outcorrection pattern, said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means and said exit pupil position detected by said exitpupil position detection means.
 22. An imaging device, comprising: aphotometric means for detecting a brightness of a photographic subjectbased on a light flux from said photographic subject that passes througha photographic lens; an exposure calculation means for calculating anaperture value and a shutter speed based on said detected brightness ofsaid photographic subject; an imaging means for converting said lightflux from said photographic subject received on each photo-electricelement to an electric signal and outputting the electric signal, saidimaging means having a plurality of said photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements; an amplifying means for amplifying saidelectric signal outputted from said imaging means with a predefinedamplification factor; and a correction means for correcting saidaperture value, said shutter speed calculated by said exposurecalculation means and said amplification factor so that a signal levelof said electric signal of said light flux does not change amongphotographic subjects each having a same brightness respectively.
 23. Animaging device according to claim 22 , wherein said correction meanscorrects said aperture value, said shutter speed and said amplificationfactor based on said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means.
 24. An imaging device according to claim 22 , furthercomprising: an exit pupil position detection means for detecting an exitpupil position of said photographic lens, wherein said correction meanscorrects said aperture value, said shutter speed and said amplificationfactor based on said exit pupil position detected by said exit pupilposition detection means.
 25. An imaging device according to claim 22 ,further comprising: an exit pupil position detection means for detectingan exit pupil position of said photographic lens, wherein saidcorrection means corrects said aperture value, said shutter speed andsaid amplification factor based on said aperture value calculated bysaid exposure calculation means and said exit pupil position detected bysaid exit pupil position detection means.
 26. An imaging deviceaccording to claim 23 , further comprising: a correction pattern memorymeans for storing a plurality of correction patterns to correct saidaperture value, said shutter speed and said amplification factor, saidcorrection patterns being respectively corresponding to a plurality ofsaid micro-lenses that have different characteristics respectively,wherein said correction means reads out said correction patterncorresponding to said micro-lens of said imaging means from saidcorrection pattern memory means, and corrects said aperture value, saidshutter speed and said amplification factor based on said read outcorrection pattern and said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means.
 27. An imaging device according to claim 24 , furthercomprising: a correction pattern memory means for storing a plurality ofcorrection patterns to correct said aperture value, said shutter speedand said amplification factor, said correction patterns beingrespectively corresponding to a plurality of said micro-lenses that havedifferent characteristics respectively, wherein said correction meansreads out said correction pattern corresponding to said micro-lens ofsaid imaging means from said correction pattern memory means, andcorrects said aperture value, said shutter speed and said amplificationfactor based on said read out correction pattern and said exit pupilposition detected by said exit pupil position detection means.
 28. Animaging device according to claim 25 , further comprising: a correctionpattern memory means for storing a plurality of correction patterns tocorrect said aperture value, said shutter speed and said amplificationfactor, said correction patterns being respectively corresponding to aplurality of said micro-lenses that have different characteristicsrespectively, wherein said correction means reads out said correctionpattern corresponding to said micro-lens of said imaging means from saidcorrection pattern memory means, and corrects said aperture value, saidshutter speed and said amplification factor based on said read outcorrection pattern, said aperture value calculated by said exposurecalculation means and said exit pupil position detected by said exitpupil position detection means.
 29. An imaging device, comprising: aphotometric circuit that detects a brightness of a photographic subjectbased on a light flux from said photographic subject that passes througha photographic lens; an exposure calculation circuit that calculates anaperture value and a shutter speed based on said detected brightness ofsaid photographic subject; an imaging element that converts said lightflux from said photographic subject received on each photo-electricelement to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, saidimaging element having a plurality of said photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements; and a correction circuit that correctssaid aperture value calculated by said exposure calculation circuit sothat a signal level of said electric signal of said light flux does notchange among photographic subjects each having a same brightnessrespectively.
 30. An imaging device, comprising: a photometric circuitthat detects a brightness of a photographic subject based on a lightflux from said photographic subject that passes through a photographiclens; an exposure calculation circuit that calculates an aperture valueand a shutter speed based on said detected brightness of saidphotographic subject; an imaging element that converts said light fluxfrom said photographic subject received on each photo-electric elementto an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, said imagingelement having a plurality of said photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements; and a correction circuit that correctssaid aperture value and said shutter speed calculated by said exposurecalculationr circuit so that a signal level of said electric signal ofsaid light flux does not change among photographic subjects each havinga same brightness respectively.
 31. An imaging device, comprising: aphotometric circuit that detects a brightness of a photographic subjectbased on a light flux from said photographic subject that passes througha photographic lens; an exposure calculation circuit that calculates anaperture value and a shutter speed based on said detected brightness ofsaid photographic subject; an imaging element that converts said lightflux from said photographic subject received on each photo-electricelement to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, saidimaging element having a plurality of said photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements; an amplifying circuit that amplifiessaid electric signal outputted from said imaging element with apredefined amplification factor; and a correction circuit that correctssaid aperture value calculated by said exposure calculation circuit andsaid amplification factor so that a signal level of said electric signalof said light flux does not change among photographic subjects eachhaving a same brightness respectively.
 32. An imaging device,comprising: a photometric circuit that detects a brightness of aphotographic subject based on a light flux from said photographicsubject that passes through a photographic lens; an exposure calculationcircuit that calculates an aperture value and a shutter speed based onsaid detected brightness of said photographic subject; an imagingelement that converts said light flux from said photographic subjectreceived on each photo-electric element to an electric signal andoutputs the electric signal, said imaging element having a plurality ofsaid photo-electric elements and a micro-lens in which each ofmicro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of said photo-electricelements in order to converge said light flux from said photographicsubject to a light receiving surface of each of said photo-electricelements; an amplifying circuit that amplifies said electric signaloutputted from said imaging element with a predefined amplificationfactor; and a correction circuit that corrects said aperture value andsaid shutter speed calculated by said exposure calculation circuit andsaid amplification factor so that a signal level of said electric signalof said light flux does not change among photographic subjects eachhaving a same brightness respectively.
 33. An imaging device,comprising: a photometric circuit that detects a brightness of aphotographic subject based on a light flux from said photographicsubject that passes through a photographic lens; an imaging element thatconverts said light flux from said photographic subject received on eachphoto-electric element to an electric signal and outputs the electricsignal, said imaging element having a plurality of said photo-electricelements and a micro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements isarranged facing to each of said photo-electric elements in order toconverge said light flux from said photographic subject to a lightreceiving surface of each of said photo-electric elements; and anexposure calculation circuit that calculates an aperture value and ashutter speed based on said detected brightness of said photographicsubject in consideration of an output characteristic of said imagingelement that is influenced by an incident angle of said light flux fromsaid photographic subject upon said micro-lens element.
 34. A method offorming an image, comprising the steps of: detecting a brightness of aphotographic subject based on a light flux from said photographicsubject that passes through a photographic lens; calculating an aperturevalue and a shutter speed based on said detected brightness of saidphotographic subject; correcting said calculated aperture value so thatan output of an imaging element for said light flux does not changeamong photographic subjects each having a same brightness respectively,said imaging element having a plurality of photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements; and converting said light flux fromsaid photographic subject to an electric signal and outputting theelectric signal.
 35. A method of forming an image, comprising the stepsof: detecting a brightness of a photographic subject based on a lightflux from said photographic subject that passes through a photographiclens; calculating an aperture value and a shutter speed based on saiddetected brightness of said photographic subject; correcting saidcalculated aperture value and shutter speed so that an output of animaging element for said light flux does not change among photographicsubjects each having a same brightness respectively, said imagingelement having a plurality of photo-electric elements and a micro-lensin which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of saidphoto-electric elements in order to converge said light flux from saidphotographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of saidphoto-electric elements; and converting said light flux from saidphotographic subject to an electric signal and outputting the electricsignal.
 36. A method of forming an image, comprising the steps of:detecting a brightness of a photographic subject based on a light fluxfrom said photographic subject that passes through a photographic lens;calculating an aperture value and a shutter speed based on said detectedbrightness of said photographic subject; converting said light flux fromsaid photographic subject to an electric signal and outputting theelectric signal; amplifying said electric signal with a predefinedamplification factor; and correcting said calculated aperture value andsaid predefined amplification factor so that an output of an imagingelement for said light flux does not change among photographic subjectseach having a same brightness respectively, said imaging element havinga plurality of photo-electric elements and a micro-lens in which each ofmicro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of said photo-electricelements in order to converge said light flux from said photographicsubject to a light receiving surface of each of said photo-electricelements; and
 37. A method of forming an image, comprising the steps of:detecting a brightness of a photographic subject based on a light fluxfrom said photographic subject that passes through a photographic lens;calculating an aperture value and a shutter speed based on said detectedbrightness of said photographic subject; converting said light flux fromsaid photographic subject to an electric signal and outputting theelectric signal; amplifying said electric signal with a predefinedamplification factor; and correcting said calculated aperture value,shutter speed and said predefined amplification factor so that an outputof an imaging element for said light flux does not change amongphotographic subjects each having a same brightness respectively, saidimaging element having a plurality of photo-electric elements and amicro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing toeach of said photo-electric elements in order to converge said lightflux from said photographic subject to a light receiving surface of eachof said photo-electric elements.
 38. A method of forming an image,comprising the steps of: detecting a brightness of a photographicsubject based on a light flux from said photographic subject that passesthrough a photographic lens; calculating an aperture value and a shutterspeed based on said detected brightness of said photographic subject inconsideration of an output characteristic of an imaging element that isinfluenced by an incident angle of said light flux from saidphotographic subject upon a micro-lens element so that an output of saidimaging element for said light flux does not change among photographicsubjects each having a brightness respectively, said imaging elementhaving a plurality of photo-electric elements and a micro-lens in whicheach of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of saidphoto-electric elements in order to converge said light flux from saidphotographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of saidphoto-electric elements; and converting said light flux from saidphotographic subject to an electric signal and outputting the electricsignal.